A highly anticipated update to Nikon’s immensely popular AF 80–400mm telephoto lens, the new AF-S 80–400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR telephoto zoom lens boasts an improved optical construction that easily meets the demands of today’s D-SLRs. Well-suited to subjects such as wildlife, landscapes or sports, this lens covers everything from mid- to super telephoto. It offers superb optical performance in diverse conditions, and Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system allows for up to 4-stop compensation throughout the zoom range, even at 400mm.

Hiro Sebata, Product Manager, Lenses and Accessories at Nikon UK, says: “Nikon’s original AF 80-400mm lens was something of a revolution when it launched; it was the first NIKKOR to combine groundbreaking Vibration Reduction technology and combined a versatile telephoto range and relatively compact, take-anywhere build.”

He adds: “Now upgraded for the new generation of DSLRs, the AF-S version of this lens offers a greatly improved autofocus mechanism, increased VR compensation and an enhanced optical formula. A worthy successor, we’re sure this lens will build on the success of its predecessor.”

Optical prowess

Crafted with fast, high-resolution D-SLRs in mind, the newly designed optical construction boasts 20 elements in 12 groups. Designed to deliver superb results in diverse conditions, the lens is equipped with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat as well as four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element. The Nano Crystal Coat combats ghosting and flare, and the ED glass helps correct the kind of chromatic aberration and optical color defects that longer focal lengths, in particular, can experience.

The four stop advantage

To improve stability throughout the broad zoom range, the VR (Vibration Reduction) mechanism provides compensation equivalent to a shutter speed approximately four stops slower. Normal and Active VR modes deliver stable shooting for different amounts and rates of camera movement, while automatic tripod detection reduces vibration from shutter release when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

Reliable workhorse

The strong combination of broad 80–400mm range and relatively portable build makes this lens an incredibly convenient way to meet most telephoto requirements. You can reduce focusing time when shooting within a specific distance range by using the focus limit switch that offers two settings (“FULL” and ∞-6m). The AF works even when a 1.4x teleconverter is attached to an f/8-compatible camera.

AF-S NIKKOR 80–400mm with detachable tripod foot

A reliable workhorse, the high-quality, ergonomic construction features a metal mount, and rubber weather sealing for protection against the elements. An integrated barrel lock barrel lock prevents the barrel extending under its weight when the lens is not in use.

This lens comes with a lens cap (LC-77), a lens hood (HB-65), a lens case (CL-M2), and a detachable tripod foot that improves balance and enables more comfortable switching between landscape and portrait orientation when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

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